First lady joins Women Build

-Female work crew helps Habitat help single mother.

-Female work crew helps Habitat help single mother.

September 15, 2006|MAY LEE JOHNSON Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND Cheri Daniels knows it takes more than good ideas and best wishes to build a better life. That's why she was ready for a tool belt, hammer and nails when she visited the new Habitat for Humanity site Thursday. She's the wife of Gov. Mitch Daniels, and she was in town to show her support for Habitat. "I have always been interested in Habitat for Humanity, and my daughters have also helped build houses around the country," she said. "So when I was asked to help with this project, I was glad to be a part of this Women Build." Each year, Habitat has a Women Build house, paid for by Lowe's, local businesses and Habitat sponsors. The local homeowner is Shalena Jackson, a single mother with two sons and a nephew under her care. "When I first heard that women were going to do the building, I said, 'Oh, really,' " she said. "After working with the women and putting up the drywall, I can honestly say these women are experts at what they do. "And I am happy to be able to work with them on my own home." The home in the 500 block of South Liberty Street is being built as part of First Families Building Homes Across America, a two-year initiative of Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program. Governors' spouses will work on homes in every state and the District of Columbia. "I could lend my name to over 1,000 different projects, but I'm very picky about what I lend my name to," Daniels said. "But being here and watching all the volunteers and this young mother all working together makes me want to put on my tool belt and lend them a hand." Once complete, the Liberty Street home will be among more than 800 built by women crews throughout the country. "It's a wonderful feeling to watch the women build this home," said Vivian Bolen, House leader for the project. "It takes a lot of people helping and pulling together to get the job done. "The great thing about this Women Build is you have fun and make lasting friendships. It's such a worthwhile project to do, and the Jacksons are a wonderful family," she said. Jackson said this isn't a handout. She calls it a "hand up." "It feels great to be buying my house," she said. "It's something my kids and I have long dreamed of, and now thanks to everybody here, it's coming true."